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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 27th, 2020–Mar 1st, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Waterton Lakes.

Rising temperatures coupled with a developing windslab hazard warrant caution despite the moderate - low hazard ratings.

Weather Forecast

Friday: A mix of sun and cloud. West wind 50km/h gusting 70.  Freezing level rising to 1900m during the day.

Friday Night: 2-4 cm of snow . West wind 60km/h gusting 90.

Saturday. Partial cloud with isolated flurries. Up to 5 cm snow. Freezing Level 1400m.

Sunday:  Mostly sunny. Moderate West wind switching NW midday. Freezing level valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Strong westerly winds continue to develop windslabs in lee areas. Surface windslabs sit on a variety of surfaces including old windslab, suncrust & the Feb.1 melt freeze crust. Expect windslabs to be more reactive on solar aspects particularly during warm temps on Friday. The midpack is strong, though weaker basal facets can be found in thin areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

We are still seeing moderate wind transport as of Thursday, February 27th.

  • Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Warming temperatures on Friday and Saturday may make it possible to trigger weakness near the base of the snowpack in shallow areas.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3